Do You Want Polarized Lenses When Snowboarding?

When you're gearing up for your snowboarding trip, take a moment to run through everything you've packed before you put the car in gear and back down the driveway. While you might have your board, boots and helmet ready to go, you'll struggle with the snow's bright glare if you don't remember your goggles. Although having polarized lenses in your snowboarding goggles is a matter of personal preference, you'll likely find this type of lens significantly improves your vision on the slopes.

Polarized Lens Benefits

While snowboarding goggles serve to protect your eyes and, occasionally, give you a stylish look, there's more than meets the eye with a pair of quality goggles. Choosing polarized lenses is ideal if you struggle with the sun's bright glare off the white snow and shiny ice. "Freeskier" magazine quotes an industry expert who notes quality polarized lenses can cut glare down by up to 99 percent. This type of lens also improves the contrast of colors and provides a higher-definition view of your surroundings. You'll often find wearing polarized lenses results in less eye fatigue at the end of your day of boarding.

Budget

Polarized lenses can significantly improve your vision on the hill, but this perk won't come cheap. Although snowboard goggles with polarized lenses can range significantly in price according to their manufacturer, they're notably more expensive than goggles with non-polarized lenses. If your budget allows it, polarized goggles are one area in which you shouldn't buy a cheap product, as you'll immediately be able to see the difference. If you can't afford quality polarized lenses, consider saving money until you can afford the pair you covet, rather than buying a cheaper pair.

Weather Conditions

One of the perks of wearing polarized lenses is they improve your vision regardless of whether you're snowboarding on a bright, sunny day or doing so during foggy conditions. Although you might be primarily concerned with the glare you'll face on sunny days, "Skiing" magazine notes foggy days can create glare during your run, as the sunlight reflects off the water molecules in the air.

Lens Colors

Polarized lenses are available in a variety of colors that make them suited to various weather conditions. On excessively bright days, wearing a darker-colored lens, such as brown or gray, can increase your depth perception and keep colors around you true. A rose/copper lens color is suitable during hazy and cloudy conditions. If you want a generic polarized lens color, stick with copper. This color is ideal for all-round usage.

About the Author

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.